Arm Swing Kinematic in Subjects with Early Parkinson’s Disease Compared with Healthy Controls When Walking on Unstable Terrain
摘要
Reduced arm swing in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is considered a prodromal sign of the disease, being related to gait disturbances and an increased risk of falls. The aim of this study was to compare the arm swing kinematics of people with early PD and healthy people walking on flat ground and over a mat at self-selected speed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out. Gait analysis was performed using an inertial sensor system (IMUs) in an 11 m corridor. Results: The study included 12 PD patients (H&Y score between I and III) and 4 healthy controls. Controls and PD patients showed no significant differences in gait speed, however, shoulder (p = 0.003) and elbow (p = 0.031) arm swing in the sagittal plane during gait decreased significantly on the less affected side of PD patients when walking on a mat compared to flat ground.